cracked/broken gunwale on Buffalo canoe

[rduren]

I have a 16' buffalo canoe and need to replace the gunwale. Does anyone know where to puchase a gunwale?
I had been told to cut the gunwale and put an aluminum tube or bar inside the gunwale to give the support. The problem I see is that it would be a rough edge and it is right in front of the rear seat and something that could constantly scratch or cut your hand. I also thought about swapping the seat around as the hull may be slightly weakened where the gunwale was breaking down.

[Tim Eubanks]

Call Gordon's in Jasper. They make 'em and used to have replacement gunwales.

[Canoe_Codger]

If they don't have one (I can't imagine them not having one), contact our friend in Avoca, Louis at Two Brothers.

Nah, replace it, don't hack together something to make-do. A gunnel is too important a part of canoe structure, and inexpensive, to do that.

Michael

[LOREN]

Bring it by Kings River Outfitters in Eureka. I might have some old gunwales or I can patch them pretty efficiently with some g flex and adding some metal strips on the inside. Sands down smooth and they hold up pretty good to abuse.
'
I drill the old rivets out and remove the gunwales with the seats still attached to maintain its structure. Then I rivet the metal braces to the gunwales across the crack. Smear it good with g flex. Let it dry, sand it down with a grinder then re rivet the gunwales to the boat.

I am also in the Fayetteville area once or twice a week and could pick it up and bring it back to you.

[rduren]

I really want to thank everyone for the replies. I searched the Internet for hours and just did not come up with anything and thought I would check back here and see if anyone had replied and sure enough

I called Gordon's in Jasper but they no longer do repairs. I called Two Brothers and the gentleman was extremely nice and helpful. We discussed the possibilities and he indicated that the Buffalo canoe tried a different gunwale in '09 that just did not hold up as well and I learned that my canoe was manufactured in '09. Anyway, the hard part is over (finding what is needed); now it's just the how to get it delivered or take a road trip. Thanks Canoe_Codger!!!

[Canoe_Codger]

Glad we were able to help. Road trips can be fun if combined with some pleasure stops. Memorial day weekend I made a non-stop round trip from here to Pensacola, Florida and back to buy a canoe, a 948 mile round trip arriving home at 1:30 A.M. Not much fun in that, but it was worth the get of a bright red Bell Morningstar at a killer price. Well, non-stop except for the breaks to let my bowman mark his territory from my yard here in SW Tennessee and the full N-S length of Alabama with an exclamation point beside Pensacola Bay. And now I am looking at a similar trip to recover a red Warsaw Rocket. "And OCA makes four". I have my own RBF!

Michael

[rduren]

Well Canoe_Codger; you were exactly right. Louis with Two Brothers Canoe was the most friendly and helpful person that anyone would ever want to repair a canoe with. He talked with me and told me the steps and why. What a great experience. I would recommend Two Brothers Canoe to anyone.
It was very fascinating to see how they build a canoe; from the beginning with just a flat piece of material to the forming and how all that is done.
It was a long road trip but well worth it. Just today, our 4 yr old grandson was taken out on a float by his dad in this canoe and our grandson stated that papa was sad because he could not come and be with me but the next trip I would have to sit beside him....Well that made my day. The picture of him holding a fish that he caught...well that is priceless. It made a memory for him as well as for me.
Thank you Louis, without your help this would not have happened.

[Canoe_Codger]

I'm glad that things worked out for you and that Louis was able to help with the repairs. We've never met in person, but my dealings with him have been positive. I found him to be friendly and responsive in answering my questions and willing to go out of his way to accomodate and communicate.

This is not meant to cast dispersions on the maker of your canoe as I have never had any first-hand dealings with them. I have been in construction and service business for many years though and know that very often a customer and business owner/representative will talk past each other, neither really understanding what the other is saying, what the customer is expecting/asking/demanding and what the businessman is offering/willing to do/responsible for. One or both wind up feeling insulted and hard feelings ensue. I've witnessed or experienced such miscommunications myself many times over the years from both sides of the fence.

Kids and canoes are a good mix, IMHO. Canoeing is a healthful physical endevour that can be good exercise, provide a link to the natural world around us and, if the experience is positive for the child, lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and skills development. And regardless of how involved we become in the sport/hobby, it is far less expensive than many alternatives. My own interest and participation has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it seems I have always had a canoe of my own (now three and soon to be four), or access to one. and many friends over the years who have shared my interest- coworkers, spouse, children and grandchildren.



Michael

[TBC]

Well Canoe_Codger; you were exactly right. Louis with Two Brothers Canoe was the most friendly and helpful person that anyone would ever want to repair a canoe with. He talked with me and told me the steps and why. What a great experience. I would recommend Two Brothers Canoe to anyone.
It was very fascinating to see how they build a canoe; from the beginning with just a flat piece of material to the forming and how all that is done.
It was a long road trip but well worth it. Just today, our 4 yr old grandson was taken out on a float by his dad in this canoe and our grandson stated that papa was sad because he could not come and be with me but the next trip I would have to sit beside him....Well that made my day. The picture of him holding a fish that he caught...well that is priceless. It made a memory for him as well as for me.
Thank you Louis, without your help this would not have happened.

You're very welcome. I enjoyed working with you on it. Thanks for the kind words and recommendation!

[Clif]

more than one story like this done made me de side... when my rental fleet retiree buffy barge finally gives out.. a Two brothers tandem will replace it

[TBC]

more than one story like this done made me de side... when my rental fleet retiree buffy barge finally gives out.. a Two brothers tandem will replace it